“Because I know what it was like to grow up as a young person thinking you are a second-class citizen, thinking, ‘I don’t have the same rights as what other people do’.”

“I feel as though what I’m doing is wrong. That’s what’s implied when you don’t have the same kind of rights, and human rights, as other people.”

During the show, Thorpe also admitted he initially struggled talking to his family and friends about his sexuality, but after confiding in those closest to him he was ready to announce it on television.

“It was really hard for me to tell my closest friends and family. I mentioned to them, ‘Do you know, I’m thinking of coming out on TV, just so it’s done’. And people were like, ‘Ooh ,maybe you should just get used to it first’. And I was like, ‘No. I will… No, I’m going to do it’.”

He said coming out has allowed him to live his life over again.

“Once you’ve come out, it’s an incredible experience because it’s almost like you get to have your life over again. That’s how it feels. I was finally able to be the person I am.”